(PHOENIX, AZ) - Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders has claimed another defensive player of the year honor.

Sanders was named the GMC Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday, beating out San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie, Seattle defensive end Patrick Kerney, New England linebacker Mike Vrabel and Houston defensive end Mario Williams in fan balloting on the NFL's website.

Sanders had his arm in a sling as he was making the rounds at the Super Bowl on Thursday.

The four-year veteran says he had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and should be wearing the sling for three to four weeks as a precaution.